Saturday, March 1
ECAC-East (semifinals)
Massachusetts-Boston at Norwich
The Cadets ran off five consecutive scores from the opening faceoff in a convincing victory over the Beacons in Boston earlier in the season. The Beacons are 9-4-2 since the semester break, but haven’t carved out a win against a ranked team this season. Norwich 6-1
Castleton at Salve Regina
Three weeks ago, the Seahawks and Spartans battled to a scoreless deadlock on Salve’s home ice. Castleton ranks ninth in the nation in defense, while the Salve club holds the same rank in offensive output. Castleton goalie Paula Stephens has played nearly 1,300 minutes this season, recording four shutouts in her last seven starts. Salve’s Sarah Markey and Michaela Chiuccariello are a dangerous power play duo, having combined for 11 goals while skating with an advantage. The Spartans are playing in only their second semifinal game in program history, while the Seahawks are making their first foray this deep in the playoffs. Scoring opportunities will be at a premium in this one. Salve Regina 2-1
MIAC (semifinals)
Bethel at Gustavus Adolphus
The two clubs closed out the regular season last week with a home-and-home set, each team gaining a road victory. There’s is little wiggle room between the two clubs in terms of statistics. The Golden Gusties rank second nationally in power-play efficiency at 92.4 percent, while the visiting Royals check in third at a 91.4 percent rate. Across the board, similarities are constant. This matchup features a trio of outstanding forwards in Bethel’s Cristina Masten and Lindsay Burman and GA’s Allison Eder-Zdechlik. Postseason experience wins this time. Gustavus Adolphus 4-3
Friday, Feb. 28; Saturday, March. 1
WIAC (Semifinals)
Wisconsin-Superior at Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Wis.-Stevens Point jumps into the series following an unbeaten string of seven games to close out the regular season. Wis.-Superior took a narrow 3-2 defeat on friendly ice at the hands of St. Scholastica to conclude the season. Little has been settled in terms of a clear favorite in the series, as the teams have met on four previous occasions, resulting in a pair of low-scoring ties and a narrow victory for each club. Wisconsin-Stevens Point 2-1, 3-2
